Associate Research Scientist

Texas A&M University System; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D

Paid holidays

Sick leave & vacation

Retirement plan

LinkedIn Learning

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Texas A&M University invites applications for an Associate Research Scientist to oversee daily operations of the Radiogenic Isotope Geosciences Laboratory, ensuring safe, efficient function and high-quality data.

The successful candidate will operate and maintain ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, TIMS, HR-ICP-MS, or laser ablation systems; provide training, method development, QA, and support for faculty, students, and external users.

Qualifications

• PhD in geology, oceanography, chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of related research experience.
• Ability to move light office materials up to 50 lbs.
• Sit or stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and maintenance of the Radiogenic Isotope Geosciences Laboratory.
• Train and support lab users, including students and visiting researchers.
• Provide technical support for research activities and instrument operation.
• Develop and implement new lab methods and analytical procedures.
• Perform analyses for external users, including data QA and reporting.
• Manage invoicing and procurement; contribute to facility design and long‑term growth.

Skills

Inorganic geochemistry

Mass spectrometry

Lab instrumentation

Technical communication

Project management

English language

Education

PhD in geology or related field

Tools

Mass spectrometers

Laboratory software

Job description

Job Title

Associate Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Geology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Here’s a Glimpse of the Job

Texas A&M University invites applications for an Associate Research Scientist to oversee the daily operations, maintenance, user support, and continued development of the R. Ken Williams ’45 Radiogenic Isotope Geosciences Laboratory, a premier College of Arts and Sciences research facility.

The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and developing analytical methods using advanced geochemical instrumentation, including ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, TIMS, HR-ICP-MS, and/or laser ablation systems. The Associate Research Scientist will also be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the facility’s clean laboratory environment and analytical capabilities. They will provide technical expertise in radiogenic isotope geochemistry, inorganic geochemistry, clean laboratory protocols, instrument maintenance and optimization, method development, data quality assurance, and reporting. They will support faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, and external users through training, analytical support, and oversight of laboratory operations.

Opportunities to Contribute

• Conducts routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Trains and supports laboratory users, including students, research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists.
• Provides technical support for research activities involving laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and sample analysis.
• Assists in the development and implementation of new laboratory methods and analytical procedures.
• Performs sample analyses for external users, including data quality assurance, data analysis, and reporting of results.
• Oversees day-to-day facility operations, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory, including invoicing and procurement of laboratory supplies.
• Contributes to facility design and renovation projects, website maintenance, strategic planning, and long‑term growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in geology, oceanography, chemistry, or a closely related discipline
• Three years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research.
• Ability to move light office materials (up to 50 lbs.)
• Sit or stand for extended periods at a workstation.

A well-qualified candidate for this position will also possess:

• At least 3 years’ related experience with inorganic geochemistry, clean laboratory protocols, and instrumentation housed within the Radiogenic Laboratory.
• Technical understanding of operation and maintenance of the mass spectrometers and their software used in the Radiogenic Laboratory.
• Demonstrated proficiency with laboratory and hardware tools.
• Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, staff, and students.
• Detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills.
• Independent and self‑reliant and have excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to multi‑task and work cooperatively and respectfully with others.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Salary:

Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Please note:

This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment built on our Core Values: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Located in College Station, Texas, our vibrant university community offers world‑class athletics, cultural events, state‑of‑the‑art recreation, and the George H. W. Bush Library—all with a high quality of life, low cost of living, and easy commutes.

Comprehensive Benefits and Perks:

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long‑term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at least eight hours of paid vacationeach month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.